Team India Could Get Ravindra Jadeja Boost For Second Test vs South Africa: Report

29.12.2023 - 07:44 sports.ndtv.com

Amid the doom and gloom following a humiliating defeat, the Indian cricket team has some good news as senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could be available for the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, starting January 3.

Jadeja missed the opening Test match after complaining of "upper back spasm" during the morning of the first day at the Supersport Park.

However, on the third day of the first Test, those present at the ground saw Jadeja being a part of the warm-up session before the proceedings started in the middle.

The all-rounder didn't look in any sort of discomfort as he ran multiple 30 to 40 metre short strides during the morning session.

cricket South Africa Cricket Team India Cricket Team South Africa vs India Test second test Marco Jansen Ravindra Jadeja South Africa India

India all-rounder Axar Patel once again made a strong case for himself, bagging the Player of the Match award in the 2nd T20I of the 3-match series against Afghanistan on Sunday. Axar's ability to bowl economical spells and the talent to bat in multiple positions across the batting order make him an absolute asset to the team. Axar was also a part of the India squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 before being ruled out due to an injury. The all-rounder is in a strong position to seal a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, but he has competition from Ravindra Jadeja for a place in the playing XI. For former India cricketer Parthiv Patel, however, Axar should be higher in the pecking order than Jadeja.

Axar Patel Joins Ravindra Jadeja In Elite List After India's Win vs Afghanistan In 2nd T20I

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel completed 200 wickets in the T20 format and joined senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in an elite company. Patel reached this milestone during India's second T20I against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday. In the match, Axar continued his good form with the ball, taking 2/17 in his quota of four overs. He took the wickets of skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib, who was looking dangerous after scoring a half-century. Now in his T20 career, Axar has 200 wickets at an average of 27.95 and an economy rate of 6.97. His best bowling figures are 4/21.

Watch: Fans Take Selfies As Rohit Sharma Looks Uber Cool On Return From South Africa

India beat South Africa by seven wickets despite a stunning century by Aiden Markram on the second day of the second Test at Newlands on Thursday. The win helped the side level the two-match series 1-1. This was only the second time that India managed to draw a Test series in the Rainbow Nation. They have played a total of nine Test series in South Africa and lost seven of them. The comeback victory on Thursday, however, did give a big boost to the Indian players' confidence.

Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja To Vie For Sobers Trophy; Ravichandran Ashwin In Race For ICC Test Cricketer Of Year

Star batter Virat Kohli and premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will vie for the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year award, while ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be in the race for the Test Cricketer of the Year. Kohli and Jadeja will have to contest for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy against Australian captain Pat Cummins and his team-mate Travis Head. Ashwin will face competition from Head and his Australia teammate Usman Khawaja along with England senior batsman Joe Root, the ICC said on Friday.

"5 For Dad!": Son Angad Watches On TV As Father Jasprit Bumrah Seizes Cape Town During Second Test vs South Africa

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had a ball on Thursday with the pacer registering a six-wicket haul. The right-arm pace spearhead extracted the most out of the surface at Newlands, Cape Town on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa. Bumrah's terrific show kept the fans in the stadium on the edge of their seats while those outside the venue remained glued to their television screens. While Bumrah has a massive fan following, an infact watching him wreak havoc on South African soil must be special as the little one was none other than his own son Angad.

"5 For Dad!": Son Angad Watches On TV As Father Jasprit Bumrah Seizes Cape Town During Second Test vs South Africa